Men, Women & Trans can all benefit from these services. Simply put - it is just tattooing skin colour in place of a nipple or areola to look realistic. You may need an entire 3D looking nipple on a flat surface or it can be adding coloured pigment to darken or blush an existing areola (as sometimes areola colouring can slowly become lighter as we age). Or adding size or symmetry to a natural areola post surgery or injury. 3D Areola Tattooing is for any one over 18, anyone post Mastectomy, Anyone Post Breast Cancer or anyone post Breast Reduction or Breast Reconstruction.

Yes, 3D areola (when done by a professional) are considered permanent. Some cosmetic tattoo artists use different pigments which are made to fade. However, this is when an experienced medical tattoo artist will be able to achieve the realistic 3D look you are wanting as they have come from an artistic tattooing background and will use safe pigments that will last for years to come. 3D areola Tattoos completed by Melinda are permanent - you may wish to have it refreshed in 5-10 years time but the way you care for your tattoo will determine its longevity.

Sometimes Yes, sometimes no. Many clients, post mastectomy, have minimal to no feeling or sensation in the area - therefore they don't feel anything or only minimal discomfort during their areola sessions. Occasionally having the area tattooed can encourage the blood flow and sensation back to that area over time. If you still have your existing nipple and are wanting to get scar camouflage, areola blush or symmetry restored then this can be painful for some - however it's a relatively fast process and can usually be tolerated. Some clients find it is only painful immediately after the tattoo as it is more sensitive and can rub on clothing.

There really is no exact amount. Some artists will charge more than others & some do them for free. 'Free' can sometimes be expensive to fix so make sure you do your research and make sure to see HEALED photos as fresh tattoos and healed tattoos can look a lot different. Melinda is highly sought after for her hyper realistic nipple tattoos, however she is very reasonably priced. Her Medical tattoos can be anywhere between $250-$750 per session (as of 2026)

The number of sessions required for realistic 3D Areola tattoos typically range from 2 to 4, In most cases it is only 2 sessions, but Melinda will advise you on her expectations during your consultation. The number of sessions is dependant on the how your skin responds. Melinda will observe your skin during the tattooing and stop if it is reacting too much. She doesn't want to irritate the skin and cause scarring or infection, especially with those who have gone through breast cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation, expanders and medications can all play a part in the reactivity of your skin. Your age, radiation and expanders will increase the fragility of your skin meaning an extra session may be needed. Medications, lymph node biopsies or removals can also effect the healing of your tattoo. Your risk of infection increases with lymph node removal. Melinda is a perfectionist in her craft and prefers to work with the skin rather than against it to achieve the best possible results.

Yes, Melinda is not only trained in Medical Tattooing she is also trained in Traditional tattooing and has her own tattoo studio. She is a certified trauma coach and has a strong family background in the medical field and an honours degree in arts giving her insight and knowledge into every skill required to provide these services. Melinda is also a certified trainer teaching others how to correctly execute realistic areola tattoos to try mitigate the influx of under qualified tattooist and cosmetic artists unknowingly causing scarring and harm to breast cancer survivors during their areola tattoos.

Melinda will often advise 2 sessions, so she can see your progress after you've healed. From here, she can assess if you need any further colour or definition, making sure not to overwork or traumatise the skin in each session. After booking a consultation, Melinda will discuss the results that you are after, explain the process and expectations and schedule your first appointment. Your first session will be the longest session as she will discuss the ideal look you're after. Melinda will colour match you to your skin type or to your natural nipple if possible. Then size and placement is discussed and drawn on for you to see. Once you are happy then and only then will she begin. Combining careful technique with a deep understanding of the human body, Melinda skilfully creates each stroke to replicate the natural details of the area being tattooed. After your first session: Your skin will be irritated, red and slightly swollen. However, you won't be bleeding. The skin will heal and the ink will fade a lot. This is completely normal and expected - this way we can see how the pigments settle into your skin and can make any colour corrections needed to achieve the realistic look you desire. You will need to wait 4-6 weeks before your next session All paramedical tattoo appointments are held in a private, relaxed room, for your comfort. We understand this can be an emotional process and hold space for you to feel any emotions, and take your time.

You will need to be 3+ months post surgery at least. Melinda will discuss your timeframes as well as any future surgery on the horizon as this can cause an issue for your healing or tattoo placement. If you are still going through chemo or radiation it is preferred to wait until all treatment is complete. We want to give your body the best chance to heal on the inside to then give you the best healed results on the outside. Melinda will often ask a few questions to ensure you are a good candidate and that you are well prepared for every scenario. If your scars are still healing and are in the area of tattooing she will need to wait longer until she can perform your tattoo. If you have dark scarring that is 6+ months old and in the area of tattooing she also offers scar treatment which can reduce the colour and texture to allow for the best Areola results. This will need to be performed over several sessions and completed prior to beginning areola tattooing.

Her studio is based in Toowoomba, Queensland, and she will often welcome clients from: Toowoomba | Highfields | Drayton | Rangeville | Harristown | Gatton | Warwick | Oakey | Brisbane | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast as well as clients travelling interstate